Sunday, August 24, 2008

We had another GREAT scrap night! Girlfriends came to my house, I cooked, we scrapped, talked, laughed, & shared!! It was LOTS OF FUN!!I had another good scrap night! I thought I had only done 3 layouts but as it turns out, I was able to complete 5!! YEAH!!!!!!!My album is complete!! I may go get some posts to raise it and more sheets to put in few more pages! This was the fastest album that I have ever done! It all came together so quickly & easily! Love it when it all comes together like that!The full postings are on my profile at SIStv!Have a NICE Sunday evening!{ASWS}

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Last night got together w/Miss B! & we did some scrappin'!! It was FUN! So much so we're doing it again tonight! Hope Miss C can join in on the FUN!! :)Well, I was able to knock out 5 layouts!! I was SUPER pleased w/my progress! Took me a lil bit to get the mojo cookin' but once it was going it was on! YEAH!The full pics can be seen on my profile at SIStv!!Thanks & have a GREAT weekend!{ASWS} :)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

YEAHHHHHHH!!!I got my grade finally in my last class & it was an A!!!!All 3 classes this summer A's!!!!!!! WOOOO HOOOO!! I am SO PROUD of myself right about now!!! All those long hours, late nights, early mornings, nail biting days! It paid off!!

Monday, August 18, 2008

I was able to crank out 6 layouts yesterday!! It was so GReAT!! I enjoyed it & did some scrap lifting along the way too! Even better! Barb would be SO proud of me! ;)(btw...cannot wait to see you girls at my house later this week! FUN!!!)

Here are some of the layouts. To be able to see them all in their glory check out my profile at SIStv!!Thanks for looking!!{ASWS}

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Its been one LONG week! But its finally over with!My last class ended this week! Wooo hoooo!! 3 classes completed since the end of May!! I did it!! :)I had to work this Saturday but I am gonna ENJOY the next 2 days off!! I cannot wait! Some me time - finally! I have lots of housework to catch up on but that okay! No school work!Got a long needed work out in today after work! It was great! I ran 15 minutes on the treadmill!! I was so happy!! I could have gone a little more but didnt want to push it! Will get back in there tomorrow!Off to ENJOY my weekend!{ASWS}

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Been really busy so its been difficult to post other than weekly.This week was a GREAT week!!!First, it was nice not to have the other class to work on. Only had to focus on one.That class will be over with on Thursday!! So I have a few more days of hitting the books hard but its almost over with! YEAHHHH!!

Tuesday, I had some time to spend with good friends, couple drinks, & an EXCELLENT live band! GREAT stuff - 2 female singers - They were REALLY GOOD!It was nice to be able to spend time with them & have fun! GOOD friends!

Working out - was able to get in some workouts! That was GREAT! Loved getting back in there! Took a Zumba class on Friday! That was FUN! Great Friday workout - something to break up the routine. Plus, I got to sharpen my dancing skills! That was the FUN part! Shakin' our hips, etc... I would definitely do it again.Girl from work wants to meet at gym today - so that will be fun! Plus, get in a good workout!

Friend from my kickboxing class, who's a nutritionist & has tons of expertise in menu plans/workouts, etc... called &she is thinking of doing marathon too! So we are gonna get together & I want to show her training schedule I found plus see if she can help me tweak menu plans.

Good week overall at work! Went by quickly! That was nice-especially on Thursday & Friday!

Friday, went out w/girlfriend - We Had FUN! We danced & danced! I got my sweat on too a little bit! There were 2 shows - one a jazz violinist - great! He is only like 18yrs old! then the old R/B group Silk! Man that was FUN!! To hear some of their old songs!It was an all white affair - everyone was supposed to wear all white - many more did than I thought & it made the night even more fun! I had my all white outfit on & my GOLD shoes & gold/white accessories! It was FUN to dress up like that!

Well, just wanted to catch up on my week! Good week - Good friends - Good health - Good Life!! Lots to be thankful for!Have a GREAT weekend! Off to read & start to prepare for final!{ASWS}

Sunday, August 3, 2008

I found this AWESOME book of rub-on - All Quotes & scrolls, swirls, etc... It is my inspiration for a new album. I started on some of the pages yesterday while scrapping w/couple girlfriends.I LOVE LOVE LOVE the ME page. I turned out PERFECT!! I was using alot of pages that I have seen ladies doing lately that are very simplistic, maybe there are alot of embellishments but only 1-2 pics, etc....I have all the pics posted on my profile at SIStv! Visit and leave some LUV if you have time!Thanks & Have a SUPER Sunday!!{ASWS}

Saturday, August 2, 2008

This week was a LONG one! I was so happy to have not only Friday get here but also the start of a new month!I like new beginnings and this month started off feeling on that note.

School was all I did from last Sunday through Thursday night. I had my final exam in one class so I was focused on it all week long. By the time Friday got here I was tired & ready to get that exam over with.

All my hard work during the week paid off!! I got a 94!!!!! YEAHH & an A in the class!! I was happy & glad b/c I could mark that one off the list for this summer! One down & one more to go! 2 more weeks in this class! I can celebrate then!!

Sunday & Monday I was able to get a work out in. But Monday was tough. Because of time issues. This was my first week starting to prepare for the 1/2 marathon. So it was good that I started before the 1st b/c it gave me a good picture of what challenges face me with work, home, school, and working out. I was able to figure out when I can work out & when I just cannot.

I went online & got a training schedule for a 1/2 marathon, its very helpful. With the way it is scheduled the training stops about a 1-2 weeks before my actual marathon date, so with school factored into that time I should be right on track.

This week focusing on cooking my own food & preparing snacks for work has paid off. Plus, before I would occasionally let myself have something a little guilty, which is not bad but now I have cut that back. I just say "is it REALLY worth it?" In most cases - NO. This really helped when I was focusing on my eating habits in the past so I am putting it into practice again.

I weighed myself this morning and lost almost 2 full lbs!! WOOO HOOO!! It was great to see a small reward!! Its little goals toward a bigger one that I find real motivation in!!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

I finished it!!I wanted to make a journal to use while I prepared for the 1/2 marathon. It is important for me to have a place to write. Write what I ate, how I am feeling, what activity I did, my stats, etc... I think it will help me stay on track.

This is exciting! & I am LOVIN' how my journal turned out! Thanks to Barb & Cathy for letting me bounce things off of them while I was working on it. :)

Tonight I met my girlfriend at the park and we walked - well I walked she walked and ran. She is doing great in preparing for this marathon! It is great to have someone along for this journey! Support is wonderful! Plus, I got some AWESOME steps in on my pedometer! I have already earned one $25 gift card & am ready to get the next, $50!!

I posted some pics of it & some of the pages I put a few things on. I have some embellishments ready to be added when I start actually journaling. I wanted to share this with you. Also, I have put more pics on my SIStv profile - I'd love for you to check 'em out!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

There it is!! My "White Chocolate in the Sky"!!Okay, there is a story to this. I am getting ready to start to train for that 1/2 marathon in November. So I figured - time for a new pair of shoes!! Plus, it will get me motivated & I really did need them.I go to an athletic store & start looking at shoes. I am stuck between 2 pairs - this & another. So I ask the salesperson some questions & I can really tell the difference in how this shoe feels over the other. More support in mid-sole. I ask his opinion & he said you should get the "white chocolate in the sky"? I am like "HUH???" He said that's the name of the shoe!! Of course, it is the Gel 1130 but its also called that. I said there it is! It feels better & it has a fun name! Perfect name for me! So that is the shoe!! LOL!!It is a great feeling shoe! Glad with my purchase & I think the name is fun & will keep me motivated!

My MP3 player is going to get an overhaul this weekend - new jams! I was talking w/good girlfriend, Chriselda, & she is the Queen of Playlists for music & I mentioned to her she came to mind when I was thinking about new music to work out to. So I will create some playlists to keep all my fav jams to get sweatin' to!

Here it goes!! My training officially starts this week! I am nervous, a little scared, I have never done anything like this but I am excited too! I have a couple girlfriends who are doing it too so that will be great to have that support. We do not live all that close but on weekends we may be able to workout together from time to time.

YIKES!! Here I go! (as I bite my nails!!) such a me trait!Hope you all have a GREAT weekend! HUGS!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

I have been working on my New Orleans book when I get a chance on the weekends to scrap - well it is 98% done!!! YEAHHH!! Here are some of the pics of it!! I just LOVE how it turned out! This book came together so easily & it was one of the best times making it that I've had!! To see many more of the pics from the NOLA album visit my profile at SISTv. I have them all posted there!Enjoy & have a GREAT Saturday!!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

The stars all must be aligned to some degree...neat things are happening with regard to this 1/2 Marathon I am going to attempt.Last night while scrapping, girlfriend of mine, Miss Barbara, said that she would be interested in doing it. It will be GREAT to have a friend along for this journey to keep each other motivated. So I was excited about that happening for us.

Then today I was talking to an old friend of mine, we catch up about each weekend or so...Miss Scarlett. I mentioned that I wanted to try a 1/2 Marathon in November. She said me too!! Then we both mentioned the same name of the 1/2 Marathon!! It was hilarious!! She commented that we both have been on the same journey regarding our weight, health, etc... So we exchanged ideas, etc.. & will get together soon to review what we are or will be doing.

This really was exciting & inspiring...plus very motivating to me!! I am ReADY to get this started!!!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

This week has been a LONNNNNNG one! I am glad tomorrow is Friday!! Started my new class this week & it will be lots of studying/reading, but I think I have a plan down for it & my other class.

On to my challenge ~ for myself. This November will mark 2 years of my weight loss journey. So to get motivated & stay focused I decided to give myself a goal to reach by the week of Thanksgiving~~ to have lost 15 lbs. This will be a challenge b/c I have hit a standstill for the most part - that wonderful brick wall when it comes to weight loss.

Then, I was talking with a lady from work today & she has really been working to increase her daily steps - we got pedometers from our Wellness program at work, I am our department's "champion" as we are called. Any who...she got back today from vacation & said she couldn't wait to show me...she pulled up her daily steps for this past week & increased by almost 3x the # of steps from where she was a week ago!! She has been working SO hard!! So, we started talking more & I told her my challenge, then she shared something with me she "thought" maybe about doing.....a 1/2 marathon (you can walk it too she said-doesn't have to be ran). She pulled up the website and we checked it out.....I told her lets do it!!!! Are you serious? Yes, I told her......I will do it if you will & she gave me a HUGE smile & said ok, lets do it!

This will be PERFECT timing b/c the marathon is in November also!! November 16th! Right on track for my weight loss goal! This has me PUMPED!! I have never been a runner & am not sure I will run, I may try it out for part of the marathon, but I want to do it for me & to help motivate the lady at work. She is overweight & has some health issues that I am sure have a lot to do w/her weight. She understands this too but has not been able to get motivated. I know how hard it can be. But I saw something different in her eyes today.......a fire!! And I know what that can become when ignited!! Once she gets going....no stoppin' her! It will be great to have a "buddy" to exercise with. That makes it more fun!SA Rock n Roll Marathon - there will be bands along the route & it just sounds like tons of fun!! Check out the website if you can!

Now, I am off to read for tomorrow's class! Have a GREAT night!!{ASWS}

Sunday, July 6, 2008

When I saw Samantha in the SATC movie sportin' her cute headbands, I wanted one. I found one and had it for awhile, last week I was determined to wear it. And to complete the outfit ~~ Yes, the GOLD shoes!! It was the finishing touch!!

I wasn't sure about the headband but I figured I would go for it. I got lots of compliments & then an oh so extra special one at the end of the day. As myself & a couple of girls were leaving for the day one complimented me & the other said, "you know who she looks like? Samantha from Sex & the City"!!! Oh that just made my day! I said"there you go! Thats the look I was going for!" We all talked some more. It was fun! & we laughed & it was just great! 3 women just passing out compliments & enjoying each other - not hating, no digs, all genuine.Yvonne, this post is in honor of you & thanks for the uplifting words & support! Here is my "hot" dress & even better those gorgeous GOLD shoes that help this Single Woman be a Single Woman!! Thanks Y~it really means a lot!Girl, I want to see your "hot" dress & the beautiful you in it!! I know you have one too! {smile}

Saturday, July 5, 2008

If you're single you understand these kind of nights all too well. Tonight was one of them for me. I was stood up, which I fully expected. That was not the shocker. But it may have been the icing on the proverbial wedding cake.

It was one of those oh so lonely nights that us single women have from time to time. Most nights are fine & I do not think about it but then again there are those nights that just hit you like a brick wall.

All day long I kinda laid around. Accomplished nothing other than backing up files on my computer & going for a workout. So I decided to get a sad, weepy girlie movie. I had heard good things about PS I Love You. Just the kinda "have your Kleenex box handy" movie I was looking for. And it did not disappoint.

I have heard more times than I really care to hear anymore that - "you do not want one of these" - "why do you want to get married?" or any other version you know of. If you are single you have heard most of them & know EXACTLY what I am talking about.

Bottom line....those who offer that bit of "advice" (if you will-or lack there of) are not in the relationship they want so its easier to discourage someone else b/c they are only relating it to what they are presently experiencing. But I think they are truly happier not to be where I am. Otherwise, they would get out of what they are in.

This is tough. If you have not been single within the last 5 - 10 years then I do not have the energy to hear it. It is not the same as it was when you were last single. It cannot compare. We are at different places in our life, age, everything than 10 years ago.

Being the hopeless romantic I am, I still believe that I will still find {LOVE}. I have to believe. If not then I will end up jaded like other women & I do not want that for myself. The negative energy is too consuming. So I put another notch in my lipstick case, put on my SINGLE WOMAN'S SHOES and get out there!

It IS hard being a single woman & you are damn straight - you have to have some PRETTY special shoes!! Do not slow down girl -- your time will come. BELIEVE!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July!!I hope that each of you are able to spend time with your loved ones!!Most importantly, please do not forget the troops who are fighting for our FREEDOM abroad.If you know someone or see someone who is actively serving in the Armed Forces this weekend, take a few seconds & say "THANK YOU".It really does make a difference to them! & you will in return feel even more PROUD to be an AMERICAN!!Celebrate our Freedom & Celebrate Safely!Happy INDEPENDENCE Day!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

I have been studying for another test for the past few days - hard core! This evening I took the exam & got a 94!!! YEAHHHHH!! I was VERY pleased!Then the TA says...You know it closes on the 11th? HUH?! Did the prof change the syllabus? No. So we take a look & low & behold the test closes on 7/11! LOL!!Oh well! ALL GOOD! Now I have 3 weeks to start on the next one before it closes!! Which is actually a blessing since he told me this exam will be the hardest.

Next Wednesday another class starts so I will have to REALLY manage my time well. So this extra time will be wonderful to have & not feel too rushed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have been trying to continue to eat well. Trying to fit exercise in there somewhere, but its getting harder and harder. I worked out on Monday & hope to tomorrow also. Portion control some days continues to be a struggle but I am still working thru it. One day at a time! Thats all I can do. Just continue working on it. It takes 21 days to change a habit or make a new one & next Monday will be my 21st day! :)

Friday, June 27, 2008

Got a call from a GF...hey want to have some drinks Thursday? Was thinkin' bout happy hour at WildFish? Oh!!! That sound GOOD! Never been & you like it there!!

Oh....ladies, let me tell you...them GOLD shoes would have been SO on for tonight!! But I was doin' just fine in my sweet lil' strappy 9West! (new LUV 'em! w/their FUNKY heel!!)

My GF & I talked to some FUN gals & then they were kind enough to offer their seats at the bar as they left. Next was Just TOO Much Fun! I struck a conversation w/2 girls next to me...& turns out after one, Brenda, said "hey, here's my # you seem like a lot of fun & we can hang out" that when I saw her business card "I said you work at ..., yes, Oh, my gosh, do you know Ty?" Then ROARS of laughter between us both!! All I have to say is WHAT A SMALL DANG CITY THIS IS!! So she remembered me from an 80's party...& now, I have a new buddy to hang with! We both are gonna call Ty & say guess who I met! LOL!! He will let out a HUGE laugh knowin' him!!! GREAT FUN!!

Then..........oh, ........then........my radar was on!! Hey...there are 2 TDHs (code for Tall Dark n' Handsome) that walked in! I told my GF...Oh, yes...as they made their way our direction! Oh, then Miss B she unknowingly supplied the conversation starter! And then it was on!! We talked, talked, drank, talked, ate, talked a bunch more!! I got to meet someone tonight & it was so much FUN!! We laughed, shared & had a WONDRFUL time!!

It is those unexpected moments when life, fate, higher powers, work that SPECIAL magic they have & toss something so nice & unexpected your way! It really makes you take pause & appreciate people & enjoy the moment!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Talk about STRESSINNNNNN'!!!!!!!!!!!!!I was really stressing & I guess mostly upset with myself that I took almost all of last week off & didn't not give my schoolwork the attention it needed. So, this past weekend and yesterday & today I have been making up for precious lost time. The exam closes this Friday & it was getting down to the wire.

I knew this exam would be difficult but it was much more than I expected. For that reason I knew in advance I wanted to take this one 2x. The prof lets you take the exam twice & she takes the highest score.

Well, I took it and got a 90!!!!!!!!!!I was so nervous when I clicked that Done button & waited for the score to pop up!! When I saw that 90 I was relieved beyond words. The TA showed me how to see what modules the questions are in that I missed. I took the rest of the evening off from school - & tomorrow I will be hitting those 3 modules like crazy!

My plan is to take it on Thursday & pray that I can retain this all & pull up that 90 to maybe a 94 ~~ that would be fantastic!!

Even BETTER news.......I did very well today on my eating!! YEAHHH!! I had my 5-6 small meals. Good choices & I made everything!! No fast food or processed. Lots of fresh veggies & fresh fruit!! My only vice was suckin' on starlight mints while I studied!! :)

Sunday, June 22, 2008

So this was the end to the 1st week of the 6 wk challenge. It went fairly well until Saturday night & today. Saturday night I got lazy - bought a frozen pizza(havent had that in FOREVER) & proceeded to eat all but 2 slices - my dogs got the last 2 slices. WOW!! Where did that come from?!

Then Sunday afternoon got tough for me...I had an appetite but not for anything healthy, I wanted carbs!!!!! My body was craving them!! I had chips n' salsa - not too many but I had it 2x(afternoon & eve), 2 apples, 8 oz lite yogurt, darn cannot recall some of the other things I snacked on through out the day.

Well, needless to say it was not a great weekend. But I have an answer - not an excuse b/c I should have tried to have more self control....my cycle. (hope not TMI for some of you - got to be honest so I can work thru this stuff). Right before & first day or so - I am a eating machine---nothing seems to satisfy me. That is how I felt this evening! I was constantly standing at the pantry looking for "something"!! Why do we do that!?! Silly.

So, I am glad Monday is almost here. I will go to work, get a workout in, and hit my schoolwork tomorrow night. This was only 2 days. And I know what to do to get back on track. That is why I try to practice what I preach - take it 1 day at a time.

Here is to being honest - not letting this have any power over me b/c now these words are in cyberspace for ALL the world to see! :) Seriously, no problem to get back on track.

Sundays - Love my Sundays. I find them to be a relaxing day for me.Here are my rituals:I love to be up early enough to watch Sunday Morning on CBS. It is SUCH a GREAT show & has so many interesting segments. Plus, one of my favorites is a segment they have at the start of every Summer. Reporter Bill Flannagan lists his choices for Best CDs for Summer 2008. Last year I got turned onto Leela James (wonderful artist!) and this summer it is LIZZ WRIGHT!!The Orchard is the name of the CD but I have listened to some of the older stuff & I AM HOOKED!!!If you LOVE music like I do - You MUST check this Lady out!!

~~Of course, while watching this show I am usually having my weekend morning traditional omelet. A new fav is egg whites, grilled onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, put some avacado & feta cheese on before bout ready to fold it. Then on the side, this may sound weird, but a little light sour cream! YUMMY!!

Next Ritual: Once this show is over with, the radio goes on to Sunday Morning Jazz with David Munoz. A local radio station plays jazz & if you know me you know I LOVE JAZZ - (again Music - starting to see a theme there?!)I will start to do stuff around the house, clean, wash, etc.... while listening to my jazz!

During the day I do errands and what not but the last ritual of my day is to watch 60 Minutes. Now not always do they have some real gripping stories, but I try to be an informed individual and I enjoy watching some of their segments. (Andy Rooney - could REALLY live without his commentary)

What are your Sunday rituals?????? Whatever they are make them YOURS & ENJOY!!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Saturday is finally here! I had to work a job fair this morning so I am bout to get outta these clothes & get me some lunch!My first week ended of the 6 wk challenge! I kept my food diary all week long - even when I had chips & guacamole! (in moderation) I worked out 3x & would like to get one workout in either today or Sunday.

I am really motivated to see results and re-commit. I have been keeping a journal whenever the mood strikes and I want to incorporate that and my food diary into an album for this challenge. Just havent figured out quite what I want to do!This was a good week! I really feel happy & blessed. Work is going well. My health always keeping it at the forefront & my family is well & I have some good friends in my life.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

This was long over due!I liked my other blog but it was not me....or at least not me now! This week I started a 6 week challenge/makeover and I decided last night it was a PERFECT time to re-do my blog!So here it is!! The new & improved blog just like the new & improved ME!I LOVE this one SOOOO much more!! I cannot wait to start using it to capture me & what has been going on.

Yes, I am {EMBRACING} who I am!! WHo I have become! This is so liberating!!As a single woman I want to trace what it is like to walk in my shoes. Or in similar steps that some of my single girlfriends take .... We are NOT alone!! There are MANY of us out there! You know who you are!! & its time for us to be DAMN PROUD of it! :)